Q)Does my loft have enough headroom to be converted?A) Most lofts can be converted but what is crucial is that there is enough achievable headroom. Ideally you need a minimum of 2.3m (7 feet 6 inches) to start with from the existing ceiling joists to the apex of the loft. Therefore, once the new loft floor (about 200mm or 8 inches) and ceiling (about 100mm or 4 inches) is in place in the loft conversion you will be left with a ceiling height of about 2m (6 feet 6 inches). Take look at the closest door to you – the opening (if standard) is likely to be 1.981mm in height which is just a touch under 2m. With this in mind we hope you agree with that if can not achieve at least 2m then converting your loft simply isn’t worth it! Is Planning Permission needed for my loft conversion? Under new regulations that came into effect from 1 October 2008 a loft conversion for your house is likely to be considered permitted development which will not require the hassle and the cost of Planning Permission. This is subject certain limits and conditions – please see the Planning Portalwebsite for details.

Q)Where will the new stairs go?A) Regulations stipulate fixed stairs must be put in to give safe access to and from the new room. The regulations cover things like staircase steepness (max pitch 42 degrees), headroom (min. 1.9m), step sizes and rails. Darlex Services' stairs are always fully compliant with Building Regulations and depending on exact requirements it often makes sense to place the new stairs over the existing stairs if possible. In doing so you must achieve at least 1.9m of clear headroom over the existing stairs to satisfy Building Regulations. If this is not possible then we can normally always find another way – sometimes by taking away a slice of another room. Although this isn’t ideal it is normally considered the sensible compromise in order to achieve a loft conversion. Please note – we are not fans of spiral or alternate tread stairs!

Q)Will a loft conversion really add value to our property?A) Yes, here at Darlex Services we firmly believe that a loft conversion will add value to your property... but we would say that wouldn’t we! Read what the Telegraph say about loft conversions... Here’s what C4 writes...

Q) How can I save money on my loft conversion?A) When you chose Darlex Services we offer loft conversions from design through to completion – this includes planning, building regulations, structure, stairs, velux widows, dormer windows, insulation, plastering, heating, plumbing, bathroom fitting, electrical work (Part P) and woodwork etc. However, if you would prefer to do (or manage) some of the ‘2nd fix’ elements yourself then we can tailor a package to suit your needs.

Q)How do we ensure Building Regulations are achieved?A) It is possible to carry out a loft conversion under what is known as Building Notice but this is not advisable. As a professional loft conversion company we don’t like to 'wing it' so we carry out a full plans submission to the Local Authority before works commence. This means that the Local Authority pre agree the technical specifications of the loft conversion and they carry out site inspections when the work is in progress to ensure every detail fully meets with Building Regulations.

Q)What guarantees do we give?A) We give a 10 year guarantee for the main structural elements of the loft conversion. This guarantee is insurance backed by a company called IWA

Q)Why do I need a professional loft conversion company?A) Anyone can do a loft conversion IF they know what they are up to... and if they don’t then the loft conversion project could cost you thousands to put right rather than save you pounds. If you are thinking of doing the loft conversion yourself then good luck – we are professionals and we often take up to 6 weeks to complete our conversions. This is all day everyday Mon-Fri so how long do you think it will take you when maybe you can only spare evenings and weekends? Darlex Services are a professional loft conversion company and take away the pains associated with carrying out a loft conversion yourself.

Q)I have a water tank in the way – what can I do?A) Water tanks can be moved into the eaves of the loft out of the way and you can chose to find a local plumber and pay them for 1 days labour plus materials. Alternatively, a pressurised boiler such as a ‘combi’ does away with the need for water tanks in the loft so you may chose to get a quote for this from a local Gas Safe engineer. If you don’t want the hassle, tell us and we will arrange for our people to carry out the works.

Q)How long will you take to convert my loft?A) Every loft is different but generally an approximate guide for a velux conversion is 4-5 weeks and about 6 weeks for a dormer conversion. We can advise accordingly at the time of first survey once we have seen your loft.

Q)I want a Dormer loft conversion – how is this done?A) A dormer loft conversion comes in different forms – however most clients want either a 'full width rear dormer which goes right to the eaves or a smaller box dormer. The cheeks of the dormer can be constructed out of masonry if you have a parapet fire dividing wall which extends above your roof. Or the checks can be constructed out of timber with vertically hung tiles or slates to match in with the rest of the roof. The face for the dormer will have similar vertically hung tile/slates, have normal casement/sash windows and sometimes have French doors with Juliet Balcony. The 'flat roof' will either be coated with rubber of fibreglass and will come with a 25 year guarantee as opposed to using traditional roofing felt.

Q)I want a Velux Conversion – how is this done?A) This is a personal choice and probably the aesthetics will be the deciding factor. In terms of technical differences, consider the following: - This is carried out if the existing loft area is big enough to be converted without extending the roof. The only outward change of appearance is the introduction of velux windows which come in various styles and sizes.

Q)Do I need steel beams?A) Most lofts need beams to hang the new floor from and to take the load of the roof. These are often steel but aluminium or timber solutions can be used. Whichever the method the Building Inspector will require evidence of the structural calculations to prove the conversion is sound.

Q) Do I need fire doorsA) If you have a standard two story property then the following fire doors will need to be in place: - One at the top or bottom of the new stairs going from 1st floor into the loft - All doors off the 1st floor landing which lead to habitable rooms (not bathroom, airing cupboard, cloakroom etc) - All doors off the entrance passage which lead to habitable rooms – living room, dining room, kitchen etc,

Q)My stairs at ground floor level enter into an open-plan arrangement – what happens here?A) If you have an open-plan layout, you must put in walls to separate your stairs from any rooms, and link them to an escape route to the outside. This is far from ideal in most cases but the rules and regulations about fire are there to save lives! It used to be up until April 2007, all doors to habitable rooms off the stairwell should have self-closers. This is no longer required but care should be taken in keeping doors shut when possible to protect the escape route in the outbreak of a fire.

Q)What is the difference between carpentry and joinery?A) Put simply, joiners join wood together – cabinet making, door and window frames, bespoke furniture and more intricate work….so all the fun stuff! Carpenters, in general, fix things. We’re experts in both!

Q)You are not the only carpenter company out there, why should we choose you?A) No, we are not the only fine carpentry firm out there however, we think we are among the best. Hopefully our testimonials give you a taste of the level of service we offer. If you have any queries or would like us to quote for a job, don’t hesitate to get in contact.

Q)How do you charge for your carpentry services?A) We can either quote a certain price for the whole project or by hourly or daily rate. It largely depends on your requirements, so please contact us if you have a specific carpentry project in mind.

Q)Are you insured?A) Yes

Q)Can you do other, non-carpentry jobs?A) We can assist with pretty much anything your project involves.

Q)I've got a list of jobs that need doing around the house. Can you help?A) Why not write down everything that needs attention then give us a call or email us.

Q)How much notice do you need to start work on my carpentry project?A) We can have a team ready for you as soon as you want.

Q) I know there are strict regulations on fire safety approved doors. Can you give me advice on this?A) Of course we would be happy to advise you on this.

Q)What projects add the most value to my home?A)- Renovations to bathrooms and kitchens - Interior and exterior painting to refresh the look of your property - Adding or updating a family room - Upgrading flooring - Building an additional bedroom, home office, or outdoor storage - Enlarging your deck or adding a gazebo for more outdoor living space

Q) I am refurbishing more than 50% of my roof; do I need to inform Building Control?A) Yes - In most cases, if more than 50% of the roof is being replaced / refurbished Building Control must be informed. they will be able to ‘self-certify’ that the work complies with Building Regulations and you will be issued with a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate and your Local Authority Building Control will be automatically notified.

Q) Will the build be affected by the weather?

A)Depending on the time of year you have your conversion, but we will take every precaution to keep you watertight throughout the conversion process.

Q) What sort of disruption should I expect on a major build? A) Any disruption to the householder is kept to a minimum. For the initial part of the conversion / extension we will not need to gain access to your house. All entry and exit will be through the roof via the scaffold. We will only need to access your house when absolutely necessary.

Q) How quickly can work start? A) We aim to start all works within 2 weeks upon agreement of contract. Most projects can be started within 7 days. When the work requires planning permission, 2 weeks once applicable plans are approved.

Q) Are you insured to carry out work on my premises? A) Yes, we have full liability insurance up to 5 million pounds to cover us for all works undertaken.

Q) How do I pay for my projects? A) We accept an initial deposit followed by stage payments and the balance to be paid when you are totally satisfied with your project completion.